August 27, 2010

Barton: GOP plans tougher oversight of Obama (UPDATED)

US Reps. Joe Barton and Kay Granger were in Fort Worth Friday morning for a rally supporting Boeing’s bid to win an Air Force contract to build aerial refueling tankers.

The event was held at Parker Aerospace’s Fort Worth facility in Granger’s district. The company would supply some of the parts for the aircraft if Boeing wins the bid.

The two Republican lawmakers gave brief speeches. Barton, who’s district is based in Arlington, said he was impressed by Boeing’s bid but was staying neutral on the issue because he's "not an expert on military acquisition.” Granger is also staying neutral on the bid.*

Afterward, I asked Barton and Granger about a story today from Politico that Republicans are planning multiple committee investigations targeting the White House if they gain control of the House in November.

“Well, I don’t think you start talking about strategy until you’re in a position to implement it but obviously I believe it’s a fair statement that Republicans would have a more aggressive oversight plan than the Democrats have had in the last two years,” Barton said.

Barton said he was optimistic that the GOP will pick up enough seats to win back the House in November.

Granger said she had not read the story and declined to comment.

*A previous version of this post incorrectly said that Granger had endorsed Boeing's bid.